In a message read by her son, Keitibile, Ms Kedidimetse said Lt Gen. Merafhe ensured that the family was united.

Ms Kealeboga Merafhe-Siwawa (one of Merafhe’s grand children) said their grandfather valued education, hence ensuring that his children were well educated.

She said Lt Gen. Merafhe was a wise man and had a unique way of thinking. “Papa taught us that nothing is impossible and the earliest bird catches fattest worm”, Ms Merafhe Siwawa said. Mr Olebile Gaborone (Merafhe’s neighbour at the cattle post) said the former vice president was thorough.

Mr Julius Mazweduma (Merafhe’s friend) said Lt Gen. Merafhe had served the country with utmost vigour and dedication. He said the former army commander was a fearless man who stood for what he believed in.

Botswana National Olympic Committee chairperson, Mr Negroes Kgosietsile, said Lt Gen. Merafhe was a shrewd and visionary sports leader. He credited Lt Gen. Merafhe for construction of the current National Stadium in Gaborone. “We learnt a lot from him and he wanted to see sport developing,” he said.